“Sex Offender” Ex-B.A.P Himchan Begs For Leniency Facing 7-Year Imprisonment Demanded By Prosecution

In the final hearing held at the Seoul Western District Court on January 16th, the prosecution demanded a seven-year imprisonment for Himchan, who was indicted on charges of violating the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes (obscene acts using cameras and communication media). They also requested a 10-year restriction for employment at institutions involving children, youth, and disabled people, three years of observation with location tracking electronic devices, 4 years of probation, and an order for completion of the sexual violence treatment program.

Regarding the reason for their requested sentence, the prosecution said, “We took into consideration the severe mental distress experienced by the victims due to the crime, the fact that he committed forced harassment again during the trial of the same crime, and the risk of recurrence even after the completion of the punishment”, adding “Since he was an idol singer, the influence of his action on teenagers should be taken into account.”

Appearing in court wearing a prison uniform, Himchan bowed his head and gave his final statement. He said, “I deeply apologize for causing such a stir in society. I would like to apologize to the victims who have probably been hurt by my actions and suffered a hard time”, adding “Through the sex education program, I realized that what I did was so wrong. I want to ask for your utmost leniency”.

Himchan was sentenced to 10 months in prison in the second trial held in February last year for sexually harassing a woman in her 20s at a pension in Namyangju, Gyeonggi-do in 2018. Later, he was once again accused of forced harassment by a Korean woman and a foreign woman as he touched their waists and chests at a bar in Yongsan-gu, Seoul in April 2022.

Himchan admitted to all the charges and appealed for leniency after paying an agreement settlement of 10 million won to the victims. In addition, he was booked for sexually harassing another woman in May 2022 and the third sexual charge was added to his ongoing trial of the previous sexual charges.

The final sentencing hearing will be held at 10 a.m. on February 1st.

Source: Nate